Auckland managing mumps outbreak

Auckland’s mumps outbreak is increasing at a drastic rate with 51 new cases recorded in 26 days.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) confirmed, from July 7, mumps cases increased from 148 to 199, as of August 2.

ARPHS medical officer of health Dr Josephine Herman said mumps is now widespread across Auckland.

Of all new mumps cases notified in that period, a majority resided in the Counties Manukau area, a quarter were from central Auckland, with some in west Auckland and on the North Shore.

Mumps is an infectious disease caused by the mumps virus.

It is spread through bodily fluids and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Severe complications can cause meningitis, ovarian inflammation and swelling of male testicles known as orchitis, which in rare cases may led to infertility.

‘‘The number of people catching the virus is increasing, especially through communities with low levels of MMR vaccination,’’ Herman said.

‘‘We are still experiencing and managing an outbreak.’’

ARPHS was still asking people

‘‘The number of people catching the virus is increasing, especially through communities with low levels of MMR vaccination.’’

to check with their general practice if they weren’t sure about their immunity, or that of their children.

Herman said people needed to get two shots of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine to be fully immunised.

She stressed that young people and children who hadn’t had their two MMR vaccinations should be excluded from schools if they had been exposed to mumps to avoid the spread of the virus.

‘‘There’s also a huge concern for vulnerable people in the community who couldn’t be immunised or who face serious complications from mumps.

‘‘This included babies under 15 months, women who were pregnant and unvaccinated, and those who are immune-compromised; which included those undergoing cancer treatments or were on high dose steroid or transplant medication.’’

If people suspected mumps, they are asked to call their doctor, or Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116.

For questions about vaccination contact the Immunisation Advisory Centre on 0800 Immune 0800 466 863 or visit www.immune.org.nz.

123RF Dr Josephine Herman, medical officer of health A public health official is concerned about mumps harming people who couldn’t get vaccinated for some reason, and for vulnerable people, such as pregnant women.